Abilify Side Effects


Abilify, the brand name for the generic drug aripiprazole, is definitely an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of mental and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is also prescribed in conjunction with other prescription medications to treat depression. Abilify works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

serious abilify side effects

Just like any medication, there may be side effects experienced when taking Abilify. Remember that it should be prescribed only when your doctor has determined that the benefit of taking Abilify outweighs the Abilify side effects. Most people using Abilify do not experience serious negative effects.



Common Abilify side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness; nausea, constipation or vomiting; fatigue and drowsiness, excess saliva that may cause drooling; blurred eyesight; and weight gain. Should these common Abilify side effects persist or worsen, the prescribing physician ought to be notified. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.



More infrequently, serious Abilify side effects may occur. These may include fast or pounding heartbeat; restlessness; shakiness or muscle spasms and tremors; fainting; weakness; difficulty swallowing; swelling from the ankles or feet. Individuals taking Abilify should be monitored for mental or mood changes, for example depression, increased anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.



Extremely serious conditions may result from taking Abilify. Some of these more rare Abilify side effects include the development of tardive dyskinesia, a condition that may be permanent. Your healthcare provider should be contacted immediately should any of associated symptoms manifest, e.g., unusual uncontrollable movements from the mouth, tongue, face, arms, or legs.



Additionally, a serious, and occasionally fatal nervous system disorder may affect individuals taking Abilify. This Abilify side effect is called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It is signified by fever, confusion, quickened heart beat, muscular stiffness, alternation in amount of urine and increased sweating. Medical attention should be sought immediately if these symptoms are exhibited by someone who is taking Abilify.



Patients have to be aware that one of the negative effects of Abilify is an increased risk of heat stroke. Avoid activities that could cause overheating, for example exercising in warm weather, doing strenuous work, or using a hot tub. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, dress lightly, and remain in cooler or air-conditioned areas as the weather is hot.



Abilify can also increase blood sugar levels, causing problems for diabetics. In rare cases, diabetic coma may occur.



Classified like a pregnancy category C medication, Abilify use should be discussed carefully with a physician prior to use while pregnant. Children born to women who have used this medication over the last trimester of pregnancy may occasionally develop symptoms. It is not, however, known if Abilify passes into breast milk.

abilify and pregnancy